Tech Awards

Honoring technology to benefit humanity

At last week's Tech Awards ceremony at the Tech Museum of Innovation, Kirk Hanson, executive director of the Ethics Center, welcomed guests to the annual event on behalf of Santa Clara University. The Tech Awards, a signature program of the museum, honor innovators from around the world — individuals, non-profit organizations and companies — who are applying technology to benefit humanity. The technology used can be either a new invention or an innovative use of an existing technology.

The University, Hanson said, "has partnered with the Tech Awards from the beginning. Our partnership grew out of the common idea that we can and should use our talents and skills around technology and innovation to bring about a more humane, just, and sustainable world, and this theme has become a hallmark of Santa Clara University’s role in Silicon Valley."

The Univeristy's relationship with the Tech awards with the Tech Awards was initiated by Fr. Paul Locatelli, S.J., the President of Santa Clara University from 1988 to 2008. As we celebrate the history of the Awards this evening, let us look back on his words from this very event 8 years ago: “With the Tech Awards, we together advance our mission to challenge and transform our global perspective, and fulfill our responsibility for the common good and the dignity of each person, particularly the poor, afflicted, vulnerable, and excluded.” Let us continue this noble cause together, for many years to come.